The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign Falling Short of Local Fundraising Goals
PITTSBURGH (December 21, 2023) – Time is running out to contribute to The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division’s Red Kettle Campaign. This annual fundraiser ensures The Salvation Army can continue its critical services which include feeding programs, rent and utility assistance, seasonal assistance, youth empowerment and spiritual programs across 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania. So far this Christmas season, The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division has raised more than $1.6 million across 28 counties, almost 72 percent of the total fundraising goal of $2.345 million. The Red Kettle fundraising goal for Allegheny County is $547,000. So far, The Salvation Army has raised an estimated $417,847 across the county, which is 76 percent of the total goal.
Nonprofits across the country are in need of donations as giving continues to decline. Nationwide, the number of Giving Tuesday donations to nonprofits declined by 10 percent this year when compared to 2022, according to Giving Tuesday Data Commons. Locally, The Salvation Army is seeing an increased need for services, but some locations are seeing a drastic decline in donations. The Salvation Army Worship and Service Centers in Allegheny Valley (Brackenridge), Beaver Falls, Erie and Uniontown are about halfway or less to reaching fundraising goals and need the community’s increased support in funding critical, year-round services.
“These final days of the Red Kettle Campaign are crucial, as the donations we receive now will help sustain our services and programs all year long,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “Without these generous gifts, our ability to effectively meet the needs of our community will be difficult. We know people have been giving generously, even as they are facing challenges themselves. We are humbled by these selfless acts of giving and are so grateful for the support. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year.”
Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign can continue to be made in person through Saturday, December 23 at Red Kettle locations. Traditionally found at busy shopping centers until Christmas Eve, Red Kettles will NOT be out on December 24 due to the holiday falling on a Sunday. Donations can be made anytime virtually by visiting salvationarmywpa.org.
New this year, donations can also be made by texting the word “Kettle” to 31333. Donors can then reply with their ZIP code to ensure each donation goes directly back into the community where they reside. The Salvation Army would like to thank its Allegheny County Red Kettle Kickoff Sponsor PNC Bank. Donations can also be dropped off at local PNC branches during normal hours of operation.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 134 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.